"I thank the Truth Society very much," said Charles, when he got to the end of the paper, "for this mark of their good will; yet I regret to have scruples about accepting it till some of the patrons are changed, whose heads are prefixed to the diploma. For instance, I do not like to be under the shadow of the Emperor Julian."
"You would respect his love of Truth, I presume," said Mr. Batts.
"Not much, I fear," said Charles, "seeing it did not hinder him from deliberately embracing error."
"No, not so," answered Mr. Batts; "he thought it Truth; and Julian, I conceive, cannot be said to have deserted the Truth, because, in fact, he always was in pursuit of it."
"I fear," said Reding, "there is a very serious difference between your principles and my own on this point."
"Ah, my dear sir, a little attention to our principles will remove it," said Mr. Batts: "let me beg your acceptance of this little pamphlet, in which you will find some fundamental truths stated, almost in the way of aphorisms. I wish to direct your attention to page 8, where they are drawn out."
Charles turned to the page, and read as follows:—
"On the pursuit of Truth.
1. It is uncertain whether Truth exists.
2. It is certain that it cannot be found.